Apprentice Dental Nurse

Riverdale Tradeco Ltd; Bolton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A local dental practice in Bolton seeks a Dental Nurse Apprentice to support patient care and manage reception duties. Responsibilities include assisting with dental procedures, maintaining clinic cleanliness, and managing patient records. The position offers a Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship with practical on-the-job training and a pathway to various dental roles. Ideal for candidates with strong communication and organisational skills, and a minimum of GCSE in Maths and English.

Qualifications

• Must have a GCSE in Maths and English (grade 4).
• Good communication skills are essential.
• Attention to detail is critical.

Responsibilities

• Assist with reception duties and patient queries.
• Support patients during dental treatments.
• Manage patient records and sterilize equipment.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Customer care skills

Administrative skills

Team working

Initiative

Non-judgemental attitude

Patience

Education

GCSE in Maths and English (grade 4)

Job description

Responsibilities

• Reception duties, including answering the phone, greeting patients and dealing with their queries
• Taking payments and booking appointments and follow‑ups
• Sterilising and preparing equipment for the dentist
• Recording, updating and managing patient records
• Supporting patients’ wellbeing and dental experience
• Cleaning dental areas, including chairs, and maintaining the clinical environment
• Managing stock of equipment and supplies for the dental team
• Supporting the senior team to provide effective patient care by identifying relevant dental, oral and craniofacial anatomy and recognising the diversity of anatomy across the patient population
• Evaluating the health risks of prescribed, non‑prescribed and recreational drug use and misuse on oral and general health
• Evaluating the scientific principles underpinning the use of materials and biomaterials used in dentistry, including their limitations and selection
• Identifying signs of abuse, neglect or emotional trauma, and explaining local and national systems that safeguard the welfare of children and adults
• Identifying normal and abnormal facial growth and outlining physical, mental and dental development milestones
• Assessing patients’ anxiety, experience and expectations in respect of dental care and oral health
• Contributing to relevant special investigations and diagnostic procedures and undertaking orthodontic assessment where appropriate
• Obtaining valid consent from patients, explaining all relevant factors and taking into account legal requirements in the scope of practice
• Recording accurate and contemporaneous patient history, dental charting and oral health assessment
• Preparing records, images, equipment and materials for clinical assessment; processing and managing dental radiographs and images
• Managing patient anxiety safely, monitoring, supporting and reassuring patients through effective communication and behavioural techniques
• Identifying changes in the patient’s oral health status and taking appropriate action, and arranging follow‑up care as prescribed by the operator
• Providing chairside support during treatment; preparing, mixing and handling dental materials
• Identifying and explaining risks within and around the clinical environment and managing them in a safe and effective manner
• Implementing, performing and managing effective decontamination and infection‑control procedures according to current guidelines
• Preparing and maintaining the clinical environment, including instruments and equipment
• Assessing and managing medical emergencies within the practice
• Providing patients/carers with comprehensive, personalised preventive advice, instruction and intervention that promotes self‑care and motivates adherence to oral health goals
• Supporting the management of patients with acute oral conditions, ensuring appropriate dental team involvement
• Adopting an evidence‑based approach to clinical practice and adopting a continuous improvement mindset
• Communicating effectively and sensitively with all patients, the public and colleagues through spoken, written and electronic means, including use of interpreters where necessary
• Maintaining contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records in accordance with legal requirements and best practice
• Demonstrating effective teamwork, respecting the roles of other healthcare professionals, and supporting the wider team in the delivery of dental care
• Leading, managing and taking professional responsibility for the actions of dental team colleagues where appropriate; delegating and referring work within scope of practice
• Raising concerns where necessary about personal or others’ health, behaviour or professional performance, and acting in accordance with best practice, governance and legal frameworks
• Acting with integrity, accountability, and cultural competence, and promoting the safety and wellbeing of patients and the dental team

Qualifications and Skills

• GCSE in Maths and English (grade 4) – additional qualifications and industry experience welcomed
• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisational skills
• Customer care skills
• Administrative skills
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non‑judgemental attitude
• Patience

Apprenticeship – Training Details

• Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship Standard (City and Guilds) – practical on‑the‑job training with weekly blended learning sessions
• Functional Skills in English and Maths (if required)
• End‑Point Assessment (EPA) to evaluate competency and prepare for GDC registration
• Training delivered nationwide with online study and on‑site training at a dental practice
• Career pathway includes potential progression to team manager, dental practice manager, dental therapist, dental hygienist or orthodontic therapist

About Us – Bolton Dental Practice

We are proud to support our local community of Bolton and surrounding areas with NHS and private dental treatment in a comfortable, relaxing environment. Our patients are our priority and we promise to:
• Welcome you into a caring and professional environment
• Ensure your visits are as comfortable as possible
• Listen to you with respect and respond to your concerns
• State clearly any costs associated with the proposed dental treatment